Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Bursa is a fluid filled sac which acts as a cushion between tendons, bones, and skin. Bursitis at the hip is inflammation to the bursa that lies on top of the greater trochanter, a protuberance on the femur. The bursa often becomes irritated due to muscle rubbing against the femur. This injury can occur from running, walking, or bicycling.
Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness on the upper outer area of your thigh.
- Pain can be worse when walking down stairs, walking, and bicycling.
Diagnosis:
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
Treatment:
- Rest
- Avoid activities that cause you pain.
- Use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day
- Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician.
- An injection of a corticosteroid into the bursa to reduce inflammation.
Prevention:
Stretch and warm up properly before exercising or beginning activity.
Hip Replacement Surgery
The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint. In the hip joint, the head of the femur sits in the acetabulum. The acetabulum has a cartilage lining and this allows for the smooth motion of the hip when moving into flexion, extension, or abduction. Over time the cartilage becomes damaged and can cause extreme pain that affects everyday living.
Symptoms:
Chronic Hip Pain
Diagnosis:
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
Surgery:
During the surgery, the surgeon will go in and remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint. The surgeon then replaces the damaged pieces with artificial prostheses on the head of the femur and in the acetabulum. The hip retains its stability due to the congruity of the joint.
Rehab:
- Following surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles that surround and stabilize your hip: your quadriceps, hamstrings, hip adductors, and gluteal muscles. Begin your rehab process by scheduling an appointment at one of our JAG Physical Therapy clinics in NJ, NY or PA.
- Your therapist will also stress getting full hip flexion and extension.
- Your physician may suggest you use an ambulatory device; forearm crutches or a cane.
Find one of our over 100 New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania JAG Physical Therapy locations near you today, or contact us for more information. We know how important it is to enjoy the activities that make you who you are, and we’re dedicated to helping you get back the life you love.
